ALAN SHEARER admits it’s “sad” to see the Newcastle United No 9 shirt left vacant for another season at St James’ Park.

The Toon legend – speaking after being unveiled as skipper of the Entertainers game which will raise thousands of pounds for charity next month – said it came as no great shock to see it left hanging on the peg in the United dressing room.

However, Shearer still feels the Magpies have enough in their locker to do more than just survive this term.

The legendary No 9 vacancy has been unfilled since Andy Carroll’s departure in January, but Shearer told the Chronicle: “It is a fantastic shirt and I had 10 years of wearing it.

“I would love to have seen somebody come in and wear it, but it was not to be.

“Whatever the reason it has not been, it no longer has anything to do with me. I am a fan like the rest of the 52,000.”

When asked if he felt the iconic shirt is deemed as a burden, Shearer said: “There are two ways of looking at it.

“One way is it is a great honour and a privilege to wear it. The other way, you can be scared of it because of what has gone on beforehand, not just because of the goals I scored, but the ones before.

“The Macdonalds, the Ferdinands and other players like that.

“It is fantastic to wear it. It is a little bit sad that nobody is wearing the No 9. That iss strange, but what can we do?”

Shearer is deemed as a true Geordie legend but described himself as “just a fan” these days and admits he was hoping to see the marquee signing through the door like many supporters. He added: “I saw it (transfer deadline day) on TV like everybody else did.

“There were bids going in for other players with two or three hours to go.

“However, if you looked at it logically you realised nobody was going to come in on deadline day that late in the day.

“I was hoping and wanting one but I didn’t expect it. “It was not to be and they probably looked at the start they made to the season and felt the players had done a good enough job and they could now carry it through.

“In the Premier League if you take the big six out, there is very little difference between the rest of the teams.

“If Newcastle can continue their form and get through the iffy periods, they will be OK.

“I am not surprised they have not bought in as many players as the fans would have liked.

“Maybe it is because they have had a good start to the season, they have looked at it and felt there was no need to add to it.

“The start to the season will give them great confidence and stand them in good stead. Hopefully, they will carry that on and finish in mid-table or above again.”

The United strike force that must battle on until January consists of Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba, Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands, Sammy Ameobi and Nile Ranger.

With French flair players such as Yohan Cabaye, Sylvain Marveaux and Hatem Ben Arfa to come back from injury, Shearer feels Newcastle can cement their top-flight status.

He said: “They have more than enough to be in mid-table. I hope it is not going to be a relegation battle.”

Toon fans have made their feelings crystal clear as always since the window closed and Shearer understands their concerns.

He added: “I think everybody was looking for a marquee signing because of Andy leaving. In fairness to the other guys they have started the season well.

“Maybe the owner and the manager have looked at it and thought that is the way they are going to go whether that is the right way or the wrong way.”

Shearer also paid tribute to the job pulled off by the other Alan – current boss Pardew.

He said: “He has done a very good job and in difficult circumstances since he came in. I hope that continues.

“We all know there are millimetres between seventh and bottom place.

“It will help that they have had a good start to the season.”

Shearer will be hoping to roll back the years when he skippers a Toon old boy team to take on Liverpool’s Spice Boys at Kingston Park on October 9.

Looking ahead to the big match, Shearer said: “It will be different and good fun.

“I have played in three or four games, at Old Trafford, Wembley and St James’ Park for the Sir Bobby Robson game.

“I tend not to get involved unless it is for exceptional circumstances.

“This certainly is and is a great way of helping the respective charities.

“I signed for Newcastle in 1996 and we should have won the league the season before.

“It was good football but it was also a good laugh if you know what I mean.

“I think that is the way it should be, you should play with a smile on your face.

“There was a real feelgood factor about the place and the stadium was full week-in, week-out irrespective of us not winning any silverware.

“The fans really enjoyed what they were seeing, that was great for the players because they tried hard to achieve something.

“It was not to be in terms of silverware, but we gave people so much enjoyment.”

Tickets for the match, which will kick off at 1.30pm, cost £10 and £5 for children from either www.theentertainersreunited.co.uk or www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk.